By Aliyu M. Jamil

In a momentous celebration for Nigeria and its international residents, Ademola Lookman, a gifted footballer at the moment showcasing his skills at Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was honored with the distinguished African Footballer of the 12 months Award for 2024. The accolade, offered to him in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, 2024, solidifies his standing as a beacon of African excellence.

But, past the trophy itself, what really distinguishes Lookman is his heartfelt celebration of his African heritage. His satisfaction in his roots contrasts considerably with Kemi Badenoch, chief of the UK’s Conservative Social gathering and daughter of Nigerian dad and mom, who has acquired criticism for her destructive remarks about Nigeria and her perceived disconnect from her ancestral background. Though Kemi spent her adolescence in Nigeria till age 16, she has typically highlighted points reminiscent of corruption and poverty to rationalize her conservative stance. Her feedback have been interpreted by many as disparaging in the direction of considered one of Africa’s most populous nations, prompting Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima to recommend she may as properly relinquish her Nigerian id.

Badenoch’s reluctance to have interaction with Nigerian establishments has been additional embroiled in controversy, with Abike Dabiri-Erewa from the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee revealing failed outreach makes an attempt to her. Drawing a pointy line between her Yoruba ethnicity and her id as a Nigerian nationwide, Badenoch’s feedback have ignited spirited debates amongst Nigerians and the diaspora relating to private id versus nationwide loyalty. Whereas some applaud her stance, others view it as detrimental to Nigeria’s picture on the worldwide stage.

Ademola Lookman’s narrative starkly contrasts with that of Kemi Badenoch. Whereas Lookman proudly embodies his African heritage and evokes numerous people, Badenoch’s tumultuous relationship along with her Nigerian roots has generated rivalry. Regardless of her influential function in UK politics, her essential remarks about Nigeria and obvious distance from her heritage have alienated some.

It’s heartwarming that Lookman embraced his id with a fervor that shone brightly in the course of the awards ceremony, draped in a powerful agbada—the standard Yoruba garment that instructions respect and a spotlight. His acceptance speech, which opened with the heartwarming Yoruba greeting “Ẹ kú ìròlé o,” underscored his profound connection to his heritage, regardless of being born and raised in England.

“Simply over 4 years in the past, I failed in entrance of the world. Quick ahead 4 years, and I’m one of the best participant in Africa,” Lookman mirrored, evoking the challenges he overcame to achieve this pinnacle of success. His phrases resonated deeply with aspiring athletes worldwide: “I wish to say to all of the younger youngsters and folks watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Flip your ache into your energy and proceed to fly. God bless.”

Lookman’s ascent has been something however simple. After making a reputation for himself at Charlton Athletic, excessive expectations adopted him to Everton’s youth setup. Nevertheless, his journey included setbacks and disappointments that led many to query his potential on the high degree. A subsequent stint at Leicester Metropolis yielded flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency continued.

The pivotal second in Lookman’s profession got here together with his switch to Atalanta. Below the steerage of Gian Piero Gasperini, he emerged as a unprecedented expertise. His spectacular hat-trick within the 2023/24 Europa League remaining in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen not solely secured Atalanta’s historic victory but additionally catapulted him into international stardom.

This season, Lookman has continued to dazzle, notably within the UEFA Champions League, the place he has performed a vital function in Atalanta’s marketing campaign. With a powerful tally of eight objectives and 5 assists in simply 14 matches this season, Lookman has firmly established himself as a useful participant for the workforce. His accomplishments have been duly acknowledged, incomes him accolades reminiscent of UEFA Champions League Participant of the Match and Atalanta’s Participant of the Month for September.

On the worldwide entrance, Lookman has risen to prominence as a key determine for Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles. His standout performances in the course of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) considerably contributed to the workforce’s profitable marketing campaign, notably scoring twice in opposition to Cameroon within the Spherical of 16, adopted by the decisive aim in opposition to Angola within the quarterfinals. By match’s finish, he recorded three objectives and two assists, showcasing his reliability as considered one of Nigeria’s high gamers.

Notably, Lookman has additionally performed an instrumental function in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the upcoming 2025 AFCON, additional emphasizing his worth to the nationwide workforce. Since final season, he has registered a powerful 33 objectives and 17 assists for Atalanta, reflecting his outstanding consistency and progress. Nevertheless, it’s not simply the statistics that stand out; Lookman’s capability to shine in clutch moments has endeared him to followers each at dwelling and overseas.

Lookman, nevertheless, has embraced his roots and celebrated his Yoruba id, highlighted by his heartfelt show on the CAF African Participant of the 12 months Awards. His victory is a testomony to how one can ascend to nice heights of their discipline whereas remaining grounded of their heritage. Lookman’s authenticity and resolve to symbolize Africa with satisfaction place him as a real function mannequin.

Kemi Badenoch, can obtain obtain success in her political profession however can not garnered the identical recognition for championing or uplifting her African id going by her attitudes. This makes Lookman’s triumph as each an athlete and a cultural ambassador much more important. His success sends a compelling message to Africans in all places: true greatness isn’t solely decided by skilled accolades but additionally by the dedication to honor one’s roots and uplift their heritage.

Ademola Lookman’s journey is a supply of inspiration for thousands and thousands throughout Africa and past. It underscores the significance of resilience, onerous work, and constancy to at least one’s id. As Lookman continues to excel on the soccer discipline, his unwavering dedication to celebrating his African heritage will undoubtedly resonate with future generations.

Congratulations to Ademola Lookman on successful the African Footballer of the 12 months Award; his legacy is simply starting!

Aliyu M. Jamil, a PRNigeria Fellow writes from Jigawa and may be reached at [email protected].